If you think monkeys in the zoo are interesting, you would really enjoy seeing the miniature marmosets in the rain forests of Central and South America and Mexico. These are true monkeys but are the world’s smallest ones. With few exceptions, a full-grown marmoset is only about the size of a small kitten, but at first glance their long, furry tails make them look nearly twice as large.
They are captivating little creatures, with small, round faces surrounded by a long cap of white fur. The rest of their fur is a variety of colors. Their diet is made up of fruits, insects and the green stems and leaves of shrubs and trees.
Unlike most animals, baby marmosets are cared for mostly by their fathers. It is not uncommon to see a tiny one clinging to its father’s back as he scampers through the trees, but at feeding time, it goes back to its mama.
God has given us marmosets in many varieties, one of which is known as the golden marmoset, named for its bright, silky, golden fur. It is a truly beautiful little animal. But perhaps the most graceful of all is one called silky marmoset. Its fur also has a golden sheen but is more chestnut in color.
The smallest is understandably named the pygmy marmoset. It is only about the size of a large mouse. Its lovable appearance includes long, soft fur behind its ears, draping over both sides of its head, like an expensive cape and almost hiding its pretty face and large mouth. The rest of its fur is rather dark, and its long tail is circled with light-colored rings. Many people consider the pygmy marmoset the prettiest of all monkeys, large or small.
Another, almost as small, is called the buffy-headed marmoset. Its light-brown face, inquisitive dark-rimmed eyes and black chin whiskers account for its name. Its heavily furred arms and legs are dark or light brown or sometimes blackish. This one lives in small groups apart from the others, and it is difficult to get more than a quick glance at one as it scampers through the lower branches of the deep jungles of Brazil where it lives.
It’s good to know these interesting creatures are always under the Creator’s care, as the Bible verse tells us: “The Lord is good to all: and His tender mercies are over all His works” (Psalm 145:99The Lord is good to all: and his tender mercies are over all his works. (Psalm 145:9)). Have you ever thanked Him for His extra-special care over you and His love in providing a way of salvation for you? Have you accepted Him as your Savior? “Whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved” (Romans 10:1313For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. (Romans 10:13)).